An unidentified aircraft, potentially a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, was observed flying at 49,000 feet near Venezuelan airspace, according to social media posts from user @Arr3ch0 on September 14th. The user stated that the aircraft's hex code, C90370, was not recognized by military radars and that similar "distrustful" signals have been observed previously. This development follows earlier reports within the same reporting window of a Venezuelan military transport aircraft, FAV-9508, returning to the El Libertador air base from Orchila Island at approximately 8:32 PM UTC on September 14th. The social media user @Arr3ch0 indicated that the observation was confirmed by a "godfather" and that the aircraft's "ping" data was not visible on standard tracking applications due to it being an MLAT signal beyond receiver reach or triangulation capabilities. This report aligns with previous information that a U.S. military presence has significantly bolstered airpower in the Caribbean, including the deployment of Marine F-35B stealth fighter aircraft to Puerto Rico following a large naval deployment. Earlier in the day on September 14th, the Venezuelan military transport aircraft FAV-9508, a C-30H Hercules (hex code 0d806c), was tracked flying from the El Libertador air base to Orchila Island between 6:32 PM and 8:32 PM UTC. Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López has previously commented on the increased presence of U.S. military aircraft in the Caribbean, citing frequent violations of operational norms due to a lack of flight plan notifications. Additionally, unconfirmed social media reports from earlier on September 14th detailed extensive underground facilities at Maiquetia International Simón BolÃvar Airport, described as over 40 meters deep with multiple levels and capable of sustaining 150 people for four months, including a Situation Room with VTC capabilities and living quarters. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel was also dispatched from Willemstad, Curaçao, on the morning of September 14th, though its specific destination and purpose remain undisclosed amidst these regional activities.
